Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty offers a candid, thought-provoking look into the funeral industry. Readers praise Doughty's dark humor, empathetic storytelling, and insightful reflections on mortality. Some find the content morbid or unsettling, but most commend the book's unique perspective and contemplative depth.

A reader who enjoys Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty is likely fascinated by death and mortality, with a taste for dark humor and candid narratives. Fans of Mary Roach's Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers or Jessica Mitford's The American Way of Death will find this book captivating.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty is a memoir chronicling Doughty's first six years in the funeral industry, starting as a crematory operator in San Francisco at 23. It explores her personal journey of death acceptance, critiques North America's death denial culture, and examines various funerary customs, ultimately advocating for more honest conversations about death. The book contains graphic descriptions of dead bodies, cremation, decomposition, and various forms of death.

Informative / Contemplative / Dark / Unnerving / Bittersweet

- Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory dives into the often taboo and fascinating subject of the funeral industry, offering a rare behind-the-scenes perspective from an author who is a licensed mortician.
- Caitlin Doughty uses wit and humor to explore cultural attitudes towards death, effectively challenging societal norms and encouraging readers to rethink their perceptions and fears surrounding the end of life.
- The book has gained popularity for its honest and thought-provoking examination of mortality, sparking conversations about death positivity and the importance of accepting death as a natural part of life.

**Caitlin Doughty**  
Caitlin Doughty is the author and narrator, whose experiences in the funeral industry and personal exploration of death shape the narrative. Her journey toward a deeper understanding and acceptance of mortality is central to the story.

**Mike**  
Mike is Caitlin's boss at Westwind Cremation & Burial, known for his gruff demeanor and deep sensitivity to their work. He mentors Caitlin as she learns the ropes of the crematorium.

**Chris**  
Chris is the body-transport driver at Westwind, with a calm presence that supports both grieving families and Caitlin. He becomes friends with Caitlin and helps guide her in dealing with various aspects of the job.

**Bruce**  
Bruce is the embalmer at Westwind, characterized by his friendliness and humor about their work. He instructs Caitlin on embalming while preferring not to see it applied to his loved ones.

**Luke**  
Luke is Caitlin's friend who understands her unusual relationship with death. Caitlin develops romantic feelings for him that challenge her views on love and mortality.

**Byron, Maureen, and Padma (The Corpses)**  
Byron, Maureen, and Padma are corpses Caitlin encounters during her work, each serving as significant elements of her narrative. Throughout the story, they are treated with the dignity and respect Caitlin advocates for in death practices.

Caitlin Doughty

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Smoke Gets in Your Eyes & Other Lessons from the Crematory?

Reading Age

Book Details